The lone player of the St. Louis Blues to make the 2012 All-Star Game roster is goaltender Brian Elliott. He has the best goals against average in the NHL and is a huge reason why the Blues have the most wins at home in the league.
There probably won't be many Blues fans in Ottawa to cheer on Elliott in person. Instead, fans can take part in their own little celebrations of ice hockey during the All-Star break.
Head to the Rink
Now is the time of year when kids and adults of all ages head to ice hockey rinks across the country. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, have a family day at the ice rink whether you are there to play hockey or just skate around.
Re-live the Agony of 2000
Blues fans can dig out their old VHS tapes of the 2000 playoffs. The Blues had a franchise-best 51 victories and were the top team in the Central Division. The Blues lost in the first round against the San Jose Sharks in seven games in what was a great series for hockey fans but a horrible time for Blues fans. The dream team of Pavol Demitra, Pierre Turgeon, Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis gave St. Louis fans hope for their first Stanley Cup. Yet the offense went silent in the opening round playoffs. In the four losses, St. Louis scored no more than two goals in each game. The three wins saw no fewer than five goals per game.
Re-live the Near-Ecstasy of 2001
The very next year, St. Louis finished second in the Central Division and made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 15 years. The Blues got revenge on the Sharks and beat them in six games before sweeping the Dallas Stars. Then came the Colorado Avalanche in the Conference Finals and it wasn't pretty. The Blues won only one game in that series.
Play Roller Hockey
If ice hockey isn't your thing, find a roller hockey rink in your area and join a league. It's a kinder, gentler version of ice hockey but is just as active and involving. Even if you're un-coordinated, just stop by and watch game night for some puck-dropping action.
Buy Some Blues Stuff
There is plenty of merchandise for Blues fans to buy in order to get by until the next game Feb. 3. From commemorative pucks to full-blown hockey sticks, there is something for Blues fans everywhere. The most standard gear to buy is a jersey, but in honor of the All-Star Game you should indulge yourself and get something truly exciting.
William Browning was born in St. Louis and has been a lifelong Blues fan.
